DHET in talks with TVET student association over demands

The Department of Higher Education and Training says it is in talks with the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Student Association to meet some of their demands.

The association represents the interests of TVET students nationwide. It cites the withholding of examination results due to unpaid allowances and accommodation fees as one of the reasons for the closure of TVET colleges.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe was speaking in Durban during a visit to TVET colleges at the Coastal College in Hammarsdale, west of Durban.

“The Minister had an interaction with the association and she was able to meet some of their demands. The minister has also allowed an increase for TVET colleges. The association released a statement saying that things are going back to normal and the minister has been able to meet some of their demands. The minister also committed to ensuring that the examination unit also engages learners in the issues of the releasing of results. I am confident that the Minister will handle the situation.”

Vocational courses

Dr Gondwe has called on TVET colleges to teach vocational courses that will train young South Africans in line with global standards.

Speaking to the challenges around shortages in technical and artisanal skills in the country, Gondwe says the department is collaborating with the Department of Public Works and the private sector to employ TVET college graduates.

She says the aim is to equip the country with skills required at a global level. “I remind TVET colleges that it is not enough to skill young people, you have to make sure that they are skilled in the skills that the economy needs so that they are absorbed by that particular economy. We would like to see more young people emerge from the sectors that are on the skill list and are in occupations that are highly in demand.

“We are very intentional about that and that will ensure that young people are skilled in skills that are needed by the economy and also in future skills such as your AI and coding,” the Deputy Minister stresses.